In support of Table Mountain National Park’s decision to double the number of patrol dogs active on Table Mountain as part of SANParks’ prioritised and extended Visitor Safety Programme, the SANParks Honorary Rangers launched the Table Mountain Patrol Dog campaign in June this year.

The campaign aims to purchase ten highly-trained two-year old German Shepherds for Table Mountain’s Kloof Nek dog unit to do vital work in crime prevention as well as in rescue and recovery out on the mountain. Table Mountain National Park Manager Paddy Gordon said, “Highly trained dogs like these are able to cover more space in half the time and have many advantages over other interventions and deterrents”.

The campaign immediately captured the attention of mountain users including individuals, corporates, clubs and volunteer organisations. The handover events by the sponsors of the dogs to Table Mountain, has also attracted wide media interest including Die Burger, Cape Argus, Eye Witness News, 567 Cape Talk radio, community newspapers and features on at least 16 websites. Visit http://www.ewn.co.za to view the video clip of the Rangers with 3 of their new dogs, Orbit, Esko and Baxter on patrol in November above Camps Bay.

With the generous support of people in Cape Town, eight German Shepherds have been funded to date:

Orbit, is sponsored by acsis VOB Running Club; Rocky, is donated by K9 Training Centre & Kennels, suppliers and trainers of all the patrol dogs; Esko is sponsored by Waterfront Rotary Club, who also built brand new kennels for the dog unit; Purdy is sponsored by Pedal Power Association ; CZ is sponsored by Mrs Ann Thaning; Baxter is donated by Mr & Mrs Laubser; Alex is sponsored by Trencor; Eaton, is jointly sponsored by Table Mountain region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers & acsis VOB.

Additional support has come from visitors to the Kloof Nek dog unit who have been inspired by the work being done:

- local vet Dr Melissa Charles is keeping an eye on the dogs and funds their annual vaccinations;

- Royal Canin subsidises the dogs’ superior quality diet.

All the dogs are German Shepherds, trained to Level 4 to search and retrieve. Every dog has been in special training for two years, arriving at the dog unit ready and eager to work. The dog and his handler are a team patrolling a huge wilderness area.

Together with their eight highly qualified Ranger handlers (DH5 level), the dogs patrol a huge wilderness area and are making a significant difference: there has been a marked increase in the number of arrests, including several suspects on the SAPS ‘wanted’ list. “The dog is like an extra ranger with speed and agility.” said Hilton Blumeris, Senior Section ranger.

Every gift to TMNP of a trained German Shepherd is a long term investment in the working life of an extraordinary dog. The Rand value of the project is over R3m.

You can make a difference to visitor safety on Table Mountain by funding a highly-trained young German Shepherd to patrol the mountain with its handler. The cost of each patrol dog is R16 000, by special arrangement with K9 Training Centre & Kennels. An 18A tax benefit certificate is issued on request.

Join the growing support for TMNP’s Rangers and their patrol dogs, working hard to ensure we can all enjoy the beauty of our magnificent natural heritage.